Short-term follow-up of exercise training program and beta-blocker treatment on quality of life in dogs with naturally acquired chronic mitral valve disease

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of carvedilol treatment and a regimen of supervised aerobic exercise training on quality of life and other clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical variables in a group of client-owned dogs with chronic mitral valve disease (CMVD). Ten healthy dogs (control) and 36 CMVD dogs were studied, with the latter group divided into 3 subgroups. In addition to conventional treatment (benazepril, 0.3-0.5 mg/kg once a day, and digoxin, 0.0055 mg/kg twice daily), 13 dogs received exercise training (subgroup I; 10.3±2.1 years), 10 dogs received carvedilol (0.3 mg/kg twice daily) and exercise training (subgroup II; 10.8±1.7 years), and 13 dogs received only carvedilol (subgroup III; 10.9±2.1 years). All drugs were administered orally. Clinical, laboratory, and Doppler echocardiographic variables were evaluated at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Exercise training was conducted from months 3-6. The mean speed rate during training increased for both subgroups I and II (ANOVA, P>0.001), indicating improvement in physical conditioning at the end of the exercise period. Quality of life and functional class was improved for all subgroups at the end of the study. The N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level increased in subgroup I from baseline to 3 months, but remained stable after training introduction (from 3 to 6 months). For subgroups II and III, NT-proBNP levels remained stable during the entire study. No difference was observed for the other variables between the three evaluation periods. The combination of carvedilol or exercise training with conventional treatment in CMVD dogs led to improvements in quality of life and functional class. Therefore, light walking in CMVD dogs must be encouraged.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for stroke recovery

BACKGROUND Stroke is the major cause of adult disability. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been used for many years to manage depression. Recently, small trials have demonstrated that SSRIs might improve recovery after stroke, even in people who are not depressed. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are the least biased way to bring together data from several trials. Given the promising effect of SSRIs on stroke recovery seen in small trials, a systematic review and meta-analysis is needed. OBJECTIVE To determine whether SSRIs improve recovery after stroke, and whether treatment with SSRIs was associated with adverse effects. METHODS Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (August 2011), Cochrane Depression Anxiety and Neurosis Group Trials Register (November 2011), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 8), MEDLINE (from 1948 to August 2011), EMBASE (from 1980 to August 2011), CINAHL (from 1982 to August 2011), AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine) (from 1985 to August 2011), PsycINFO (from 1967 to August 2011) and PsycBITE (Pyschological Database for Brain Impairment Treatment Efficacy) (March 2012). To identify further published, unpublished and ongoing trials we searched trials registers, pharmaceutical websites, reference lists, contacted experts and performed citation tracking of included studies. Selection criteria: We included randomized controlled trials that recruited stroke survivors (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) at any time within the first year. The intervention was any SSRI, given at any dose, for any period. We excluded drugs with mixed pharmacological effects. The comparator was usual care or placebo. In order to be included, trials had to collect data on at least one of our primary (dependence and disability) or secondary (impairments, depression, ...

Gender differences in serum CK-MB mass levels in healthy Braziliansubjects

The creatine kinase-isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) mass assay is one of the laboratory tests used for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. It is recommended, however, that reference limits should take gender and race into account. In the present study, we analyzed the plasma CK-MB mass and troponin levels of 244 healthy volunteers without a personal history of coronary artery disease and with no chronic diseases, muscular trauma or hypothyroidism, and not taking statins. The tests were performed with commercial kits, CK-MB mass turbo kit and Troponin I turbo kit, using the Immulite 1000 analyzer from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostic. The values were separated according to gender and showed significant differences by the Mann-Whitney test. Mean (± SD) CK-MB mass values were 2.55 ± 1.09 for women (N = 121; age = 41.20 ± 10.13 years) and 3.49 ± 1.41 ng/mL for men (N = 123; age = 38.16 ± 11.12 years). Gender-specific reference values at the 99th percentile level, according to the Medicalc statistical software, were 5.40 ng/mL for women and 7.13 ng/mL for men. The influence of race was not considered because of the high miscegenation of the Brazilian population. The CK-MB values obtained were higher than the 5.10 mg/mL proposed by the manufacturer of the laboratory kit. Therefore, decision limits should be related to population and gender in order to improve the specificity of this diagnostic tool, avoiding misclassification of patients.

Treadmill exercise testing of asymptomatic men and women without evidence of heart disease

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of differences in performance including differences in ST-T wave changes between healthy men and women submitted to an exercise stress test. Two hundred (45.4 percent) men and 241 (54.6 percent) women (mean age: 38.7 ¡À 11.0 years) were submitted to an exercise stress test. Physiologic and electrocardiographic variables were compared by the Student t-test and the chi-square test. To test the hypothesis of differences in ST-segment changes, data were ranked with functional models based on weighted least squares. To evaluate the influence of gender and age on the diagnosis of ST-segment abnormality, a logistic model was adjusted; P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Rate-pressure product, duration of exercise and estimated functional capacity were higher in men (P < 0.05). Sixteen (6.7 percent) women and 9 (4.5 percent) men demonstrated ST-segment upslope ¡Ý0.15 mV or downslope ¡Ý0.10 mV; the difference was not statistically significant. Age increase of one year added 4 percent to the chance of upsloping of segment ST ¡Ý0.15 mV or downsloping of segment ST ¡Ý0.1 mV (P = 0.03; risk ratio = 1.040, 95 percent confidence interval (CI) = 1.002-1.080). Heart rate recovery was higher in women (P < 0.05). The chance of women showing an increase of systolic blood pressure ¡Ü30 mmHg was 85 percent higher (P = 0.01; risk ratio = 1.85, 95 percentCI = 1.1-3.05). No significant difference in the frequency of ST-T wave changes was observed between men and women. Other differences may be related to different physical conditioning.

Association of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides with mortality in patients with heart failure

It has been demonstrated that there is an association between serum lipoproteins and survival rate in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, as well as in patients with non-ischemic causes of heart failure. We tested the hypothesis of an association between serum lipoprotein levels and prognosis in a cohort of outpatients with heart failure, including Chagas' heart disease. The lipid profile of 833 outpatients with heart failure in functional classes III and IV of the New York Heart Association, with a mean age of 46.9 ± 10.6 years, 655 (78.6 percent) men and 178 (21.4 percent) women, was studied from April 1991 to June 2003. The survival rate was estimated by the Kaplan-Meyer's method and the Cox proportional hazards models. Etiology of heart failure was ischemic cardiomyopathy in 171 (21 percent) patients, Chagas' heart disease in 144 (17 percent), hypertensive cardiomyopathy in 136 (16 percent), and other etiologies in 83 (10 percent). In 299 (36 percent) patients, heart failure was ascribed to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Variables significantly associated with mortality were age (hazard ratio, HR = 1.02; 95 percentCI = 1.01-1.03; P = 0.0074), male gender (HR = 1.77; 95 percentCI = 1.2-2.62; P = 0.004), idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (HR = 1.81; 95 percentCI = 1.16-2.82; P = 0.0085), serum triglycerides (HR = 0.97; 95 percentCI = 0.96-0.98; P < 0.0001), and HDL cholesterol (HR = 0.99; 95 percentCI = 0.99-1.0; P = 0.0280). Therefore, higher serum HDL cholesterol and higher serum triglycerides were associated with lower mortality in this cohort of outpatients with heart failure.

Effect of sexual steroids on the calcium content of aortic atherosclerotic plaque of oophorectomized rabbits

We determined the effect of conjugated equine estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone acetate on calcium content of aortic atherosclerotic lesions in oophorectomized adult New Zealand rabbits submitted to a cholesterol rich diet. Five groups of 10 animals each were studied: G1 = control, G2 = cholesterol diet only, G3 = diet plus conjugated equine estrogen (0.625 mg/day); G4 and G5 = diet, conjugated equine estrogen (0.625 mg/day) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (5 and 10 mg/day, respectively). Mean weight varied from 2.7 ± 0.27 to 3.1 ± 0.20 kg (P = 0.38) between groups at the beginning and 3.1 ± 0.27 to 3.5 ± 0.20 kg (P = 0.35) at the end of the experiment. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined at the time of oophorectomy, 21 days after surgery (time 0), and at the end of follow-up of 90 days. The planimetric method was used to measure plaque and caryometric method for histopathologic examination of the aorta. Calcium content was determined by the method of von Kossa. A similar increase in cholesterol occurred in all treated groups without differences between them at the end of the study. Groups G4 and G5 had smaller areas of atherosclerotic lesions (2.33 ± 2.8 and 2.45 ± 2.1 cm², respectively) than the groups receiving no progestogens (G2: 5.6 ± 4 and G3: 4.6 ± 2.8 cm²; P = 0.02). The relation between lesion area and total aorta area was smaller in groups treated with combined drugs compared to the groups receiving no progesterone (G4: 14.9 ± 13 and G5: 14.2 ± 13.4 vs G2: 35.8 ± 26 and G3: 25 ± 8 cm², respectively; P = 0.017). Oral conjugated equine estrogen (0.625 mg/day) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (5 or 10 mg/day) provoked a greater reduction in atherosclerotic plaque area and calcium content in treated groups, suggesting a dose-dependent effect.

Tratamento cirúrgico da gigantomastia / Surgical Treatment of Gigantomastia

Mastoplastia redutora é um procedimento cirúrgico bastante requisitado por pacientes que apresentam mamas grandes associadas a dores lombres. As grandes hipertrofias impõem técnicas que permitam ressecções associadas ao tratamento da ptose que, na maior parte dos casos, é acentuada. Neste estudo analisamos as técnicas empregadas em 231 casos de mastoplastia redutora, realizados no Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital de Clínicas da UFPR no período de 1998 a 2002, das quais 13,8 foram considerados casos de gigantomastia.

Women with big breasts and back pain claim for a reduction mammaplasty. Large volume breast reductions need special atention for the nipple areolar complex migration. In this study we analise the techniques used in 231 reduction mammaplasties performed at “Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Parana” from 1998 to 2002. 13,8 of the cases where considered with very large hipertrophies.

Neurofibromatose (Doença de Von Recklinghausen) relato de caso / Neurofibromatosis (Von Recklinghausen Illness) case report

A neurofibromatose I é a forma clássica da doença, descrita em 1882, por von Recklinghausen, transmitida por herança autossômica dominante. Caracteriza-se pela presença de manchas café-com-leite, nódulos fibromatosos (neurofibromas), nódulos de Lisch na íris e efélides axilares. S.T.N.C, 30 anos, feminina, procurou o serviço de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital de Clinicas com deformidade crânio-facial centrada em órbita direita, que evoluiu com aumento progressivo da área comprometida associada a amaurose. Ao exame, observou-se importante deformidade hemicraniofacial direita, com lesão neurofibromatosa comprometendo as regiões da fossa temporal superficial, frontal, órbito-palpebral, jugal, labial e mandibular com aspecto de gota gigante multilobulada, tracionando e deformando todas as estruturas da face. Apresentava, ainda, macroqueilia, mordida aberta, ausência de ramo ascendente mandibular direito e paralisia facial direita. Diversas lesões nodulares café-com-leite disseminadas pela superfície cutânea foram encontradas. Os exames complementares realizados, radiografia de face e crânio, tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética crânio-facial, demonstraram continuidade da lesão com o tecido cerebral e grande número de fístulas artério-venosa volumosas, denotando associação com deformidade vascular grave. De acordo com estes resultados, foi decidido não submeter a paciente a tratamento cirúrgico, devido ao potencial risco de óbito, bem como a pouca melhora estético funcional a se conseguir com a operação.

In 1882, Von Recklinghausen described neurofibromatosis type I, an autossomal dominant inherited disease, with clinical features of “cafe-au-lait” spots neurofibromas, freckling in the axillary or inguinal regions, optic glioma, Lisch nodules in iris and distinctive osseous lesions. STNC, a 30 year old female, was attended by Plastic Surgery staff at the “Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná - Brazil with a craniofacial deformity centred at the right orbit, with progressive regional increase in size and with impaired of visual acuity. Physical findings: prominent hemicraniofacial deformity due to a neurofibroma involving superficial temporal fossa, frontal, orbital, la- bial, jugal and mandibular regions with the aspect of multilobuleted giant drop, tractioning and deforming all the structure of her face. Macrocheilia, mandibular teeth didn’t touch maxillary teeth, absence of ascendant mandibular ramus, right facial palsy and “cafe-au-lait” spots were documented. Image Findings: facial and cranial x-rays, CT and MRI showed that the lesion compromised in continuity with cerebral tissue and the presence of huge arteriovenous fistulas. Management: Due to high risk of death during and/or after the surgery, the patient received clinical and psychological treatment and orientation.

Microssomia craniofacial: experiência de 105 casos em 7 anos / Hemifacial microsomy: experience with 105 cases during 7 years

A Microssomia Craniofacial é deformidade com grande variedade de apresentações clínicas. Tratamos 105 casos em 7 anos, entre 1996 a 2002. Os casos foram revisados enfocando as suas alterações anatômicas. A idade de início do tratamento foi entre 0 e 5 anos em 39, 6 a 10 anos em 27,6 e após 10 anos em 33,4. Em 44,8 o lado comprometido foi o direito, o esquerdo em 38 e bilateral em 17,2. O pavilhão auricular era normal em 10; microtia correspondeu a 81 das deformidades auriculares, anotia a 12,6, orelha constricta a 6,3, question ear a 4,2, duplicidade a 4,2 e ausência do lóbulo a 1. Em 65,7 dos pacientes o meato acústico estava ausente e em 2,8 havia atresia. De acordo com a classificação de Pruzanski, foram de 35,2 as alterações mandibulares de Grau I, 21,9 de Grau IIA, 16,1 de Grau IIB e 3,8 de Grau III. Em 22,8 a mandíbula apresentava-se normal. Paralisia facial foi encontrada em 11,4 e macrostomia em 22,8. Em 10 dos pacientes apresentavam alterações oftalmológicas, dentre elas, 3 casos dermóide epibulbar. Em 21,9 foram identificadas outras deformidades faciais, com 5 casos de hipoplasia de partes moles, 9 de fissuras lábiopalatais e 2 de atrofia do masséter.

Hemifacial Microsomia is a deformity with a great variety of clinical feature. We have been treating 105 cases in last 7 years. The revision is focusing over the anatomic disorders. The patients looked for treatment between 0 – 5 y.old in 39, 5 – 10 in 27,6 and after 10 years old in 33,4. In 44,8 of the patients the deformities were at right side and 38 in the left, and in 17,2 was bilateral. Normal ear was seen in 10. In patients with auricular deformities microtia was seen in 81, anotia 12,6, lop and cup ear in 6,3, question ear in 4,2, duplicity in 4,2 and absence of lobulus in 1. In 65,7 of the patients the meatus was absence and 2,8 with atresic meatus. According to classification of Pruzanski, 35,2 of mandibular deformities were grade I, 21,9 grade IIA, 16,1 grade IIB and 3,8 grade III. Mandible was normal in 22,8. Facial palsy was found in 11,4, and macrostomy in 22,8. Around 10 of our patients had ocular deformities, and 3 of them had epibulbar dermoids. Others facial malformation occurred in 21,9, included: soft tissue hipoplasia in 5 cases, cleft lip and/or palate in 9 cases, and masseter atrophy in 2 cases .

The role of ACE gene polymorphism in rapidity of progression of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with progression of renal diseases. AIMS: We investigated its role in the rate of progression of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). METHODS: Forty-seven patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to FSGS were evaluated. RESULTS: The distribution of ACE genotype was II-25.5%, ID-55.5%, and DD-19%, as compared to 40 controls with genotype of 7.5%, 60%, and 32.5%, respectively (p= NS). In African Americans (AA) the gene frequencies among patients and controls were I-43%, D-57% vs I-36%, D-64%, respectively. This was different than the gene frequencies in White/Hispanic (W/H) patients I-61.5%, D-38.5% vs I-38.6%, D-61.4%, in controls (P < 0.05). In 22 patients with rapid progression (RP) of FSGS to ESRD the genotype distribution was II-18%, ID -64%, and DD-18%. In 25 patients with FSGS who progressed slowly (SP) the genotype was similar (II-32%, ID-48% and DD-20%, P >0.05). With respect to rate of progression, D allele frequency was similar in AA patients (RP 64% vs SP 50%) and W/H patients (RP 36% vs SP 40%). CONCLUSION: Our study reveals no association between the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and the presence of and rapidity progression of FSGS.

Etofibrate but not controlled-release niacin decreases LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) in type IIb dyslipidemic subjects

Etofibrate is a hybrid drug which combines niacin with clofibrate. After contact with plasma hydrolases, both constituents are gradually released in a controlled-release manner. In this study, we compared the effects of etofibrate and controlled-release niacin on lipid profile and plasma lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) levels of patients with triglyceride levels of 200 to 400 mg/dl, total cholesterol above 240 mg/dl and Lp(a) above 40 mg/dl. These patients were randomly assigned to a double-blind 16-week treatment period with etofibrate (500 mg twice daily, N = 14) or niacin (500 mg twice daily, N = 11). In both treatment groups total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides were equally reduced and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased. Etofibrate, but not niacin, reduced Lp(a) by 26 percent and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 23 percent. The hybrid compound etofibrate produced a more effective reduction in plasma LDL cholesterol and Lp(a) levels than controlled-release niacin in type IIb dyslipidemic subjects

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propranolol in hypertensive patients after sublingual administration: systemic availability

The bioavailability of propranolol depends on the degree of liver metabolism. Orally but not intravenously administered propranolol is heavily metabolized. In the present study we assessed the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of sublingual propranolol. Fourteen severely hypertensive patients (diastolic blood pressure (DBP) =115 mmHg), aged 40 to 66 years, were randomly chosen to receive a single dose of 40 mg propranolol hydrochloride by sublingual or peroral administration. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures, heart rate (HR) for pharmacodynamics and blood samples for noncompartmental pharmacokinetics were obtained at baseline and at 10,20,30,60 and 120 min after the single dose. Significant reductions in BP and HR were obtained, but differences in these parameters were not observed when sublingual and peroral administrations were compared as follows: SBP (17 vs 18 percent, P=NS), DBP (14 vs 8 percent, P=NS) and HR (22 vs 28 percent, P=NS), respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained after sublingual or peroral drug administration were: peak plasma concentration (CMAX): 147 + 72 vs 41 + 12 nl/ml, P<0.05; time to reach CMAX (TMAX): 34 + 18 vs 52 + 11 min, P<0.05; biological hall-life (t1/2b): 0.91 + 0.54 vs 2.41 + 1.16 h, P<0.05; area under the curve (AUCT): 245 + 134 vs 79 + 54 ng h(-1) ml(-1), P<0.05; total body clearance (CLT/F):44 + 23 vs 26 + 12 ml min(-1) kg(-1), P=NS. Systemic availability measured by the AUCT ratio indicates that extension of bioavailability was increased 3 times by the sublingual route. Mouth paresthesia was the main adverse effect observed after sublingual administration. Sublingual propranolol administration showed a better pharmacokinetic profile and this route of administration may be an alternative for intravenous or oral administration.

Tratamento medicamentoso da doença arterial coronária estável em centros de atendimento primário e terciário / Clinical therapheutics for stable coronary artery disease. Differences between primary and tertiary medical care centers

OBJETIVO - Observar a distribuição das drogas em pacientes com doença arterial coronária (DAC) estável, em centros de atendimento (CA) primário e terciário. MÉTODOS - Foram analisados, 300 pacientes, consecutivos, no ambulatório do Grupo de Coronariopatias do INCOR com diagnóstico de DAC, idades entre 31 a 80 (58,5ñ8,0) anos, sendo 205 (68 por cento) do sexo masculino e 95 (32 por cento) do feminino e estudadas as características clínicas e hemodinâmicas. Avaliaram-se as drogas utilizadas, inicialmente, nos CA primários (comunitários) e, posteriormente, no CA terciário. RESULTADOS - As drogas mais utilizadas nos CA primários foram os ß-bloqueadores (50 por cento dos pacientes), nitratos (48 por cento), bloqueadores dos canais de cálcio (46 por cento), ácido acetil-salicílico (44 por cento), diuréticos (30 por cento) e os inibidores da enzima de conversão de angiotensina (ECA), em 11 'por cento' dos pacientes. No CA terciário as drogas mais utilizadas foram o ácido acetil-salicílico (76 por cento dos casos), nitratos (55 por cento), diuréticos (49 por cento), inibidores da ECA (42 por cento), os antagonistas dos canais de cálcio (37 por cento ) e os betabloqueadores (35 por cento dos pacientes). Os ß-bloqueadores foram mais prescritos em CA primário, p=0,02, já os inibidores da ECA, p<0,0001, o ácido acetil-salicílico, p<0,0001 e os diuréticos, p=0,002, foram mais prescritos no CA terciário. CONCLUSÄO - O tratamento farmacológico preconizado para a DAC estável deve ser otimizado em ambos os CA, dando prioridade às drogas que modificam a história natural da doença, como os betabloqueadores, antiagregantes plaquetários, e os inibidores da ECA nos pacientes com disfunção ventricular esquerda.

Endocardite por estreptococo do grupo D (S. bovis e S. faecalis) e tumor de colon. Apresentação de dois casos / Endocarditis due to group D Streptococcus (Sbovis and S faecalis) and tumor of the colon.Report of 2 cases

Sao relatados 2 casos de pacientes com endocardite infecciosa e tumor de tubo digestivo. No primeiro caso, um paciente de 50 anos, o agente etiologico foi o Steptococcus bovis e foram identificados multiplos adenomas vilosos a partir do enema opaco, realizado por ser este o agente etiologico. No outro caso, um paciente de 55 anos de idade apresentou endocardite por S. faecalis e insuficiencia cardiaca severa, necessitando de implante de bioprotese mitral e aortica.A persistencia de anemia prolongada apos a operacao levou a realizacao de enema opaco identificando-se falha de enchimento no angulo hepatico de colon, sendo o paciente submetido a hemicolectomia direita por adenocarminoma tubular, bem diferenciado. Os autores sublinham a necessidade de identificar os estreptococos ate a especie e a necessidade de investigacao do tubo digestivo no caso de identificacao de Streptococcus bovis, mesmo na ausencia de sintomas do tubo digestivo